FANTASY FOOTBALL IN-SEASON FEATURES

Welcome to The Huddle’s Deep Sleeper Report. Here, we’ll take a look at a few linebackers, defensive linemen and defensive backs that are “one injury away” (that is, a backup to a stud and just one injury away from being a fantasy somebody), or players worth a look in extremely deep leagues. Feel free to email me at huddledarin@yahoo.com if you want to discuss the players in further detail or recommend a name or two.

LINEBACKERS

Chris Chamberlain (STL): With Will Witherspoon happily moved on to the Eagles, Chamberlain becomes the starting WLB – at least for the time being – for the Rams. Lord knows there will be tackle opportunities for all Ram defenders.

Jasper Brinkley (MIN): OK, I admit it: part of the reason I added Brinkley was so I could type “Jasper”. But really, he’s backing up E.J. Henderson, who sits at (or around) #13 overall in terms of fantasy LBs on the season. Henderson does have some injury history and Brinkley could be a household name with one slip from Henderson.

Tim Dobbins (SDC): With Kevin Burnett still on crutches, Dobbins continues to start alongside Stephen Cooper in the middle of the Bolt LB corps. Dobbins is an able tackler (11 solos last week) and will fill up the stat sheet in other categories as well.

Other to Consider: Danny Clark (NYG)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Greg White (DE – TBB): With Gaines Adams shipped out and Jimmy Wilkerson playing well, the veteran White has emerged a bit over the past few weeks. After the Bucs Week 8 bye, the matchups aren’t entirely favorable, but if you’re in a pinch, look to the vet.

Broderick Bunkley (DT – PHI): Paired with fellow biggun’ Mike Patterson, Bunkley is a run-stuffing statue in the middle of the Eagle line. As the Eagle line continues to dominate the line of scrimmage, Bunkley will have opportunities at making big plays.

Other to Consider: Mike Wright (DE - NEP)

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Michael Huff (S – OAK): Tyvon Branch has come out of nowhere to blow everyone out of the water, but Huff has managed to have a decent fantasy season himself, racking up a modest amount of tackles, and starting the season out knocking passed balls down. If he can put two and two together, he’d be a viable fantasy option once again. Keep an eye out, since he’s pushed his way into the starting lineup.

Eric Wright (CB – CLE): Wright had the right stuff at the tail end of last season, and could turn it up as the temperatures drop again this season. He’s a better-than-average tackler from the corner spot, and will knock passes down. Now, if he can manage a pick or three to wrap the season off, he’d be a nice fill-in.